IWP2021 Landing
PASSAGE
Video Poster
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Passage is a motion portraiture work that celebrates each 2021 International Woolmark Prize finalist and their personal design journeys. Concepted and produced by Solange Knowles and Saint Heron, the theatre presentation explores the process of design, gaining insight into the minds behind the creations and the innovations with Merino wool. What starts as a singular idea manifests into an ecosystem of collective consciousness as each designer breathes life into their works. Passage is a deeply thoughtful exploration of sustainability, and the stages of creation: contemplation, courage, optimism, vulnerability, discipline and strength.
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FOREWORD Passage showcases the finalists’ collections in six Acts of concentrated motion between stage, nature and surrealism. Echoing themes of minimalism and ceremonious celebrations, the film creates abstraction to embody the various expressions and textures of each designer.
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FINALISTS

FINALIST

Bethany Williams

Bethany Williams is committed to exploring social and environmental change.

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Bethany Williams

FINALIST

Casablanca

Casablanca endeavours to bring positivity and beauty into the world of fashion.

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Casablanca

FINALIST

Kenneth Ize

Kenneth Ize merges new design aesthetic with local Nigerian handcraft practices.

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Kenneth Ize

FINALIST

LECAVALIER

LECAVALIER’s signature abstract patterns distort line and shape.

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LECAVALIER

WINNER

Matty Bovan

Designer Matty Bovan and his eponymous label readily welcomes ambiguity.

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Matty Bovan

FINALIST

THEBE MAGUGU

THEBE MAGUGU takes the local global by sharing African skills with the world.

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Thebe Magugu
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Passage explores the use of fashion to honor our connection to the body. The 2021 Woolmark Prize Finalists breathe life into Design, Material, and Expression. We honor the material itself as a living source.

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Passage explores the use of fashion to honor our connection to the body. The 2021 Woolmark Prize Finalists breathe life into Design, Material, and Expression. We honor the material itself as a living source.

Directed by McArthur Award-winning director Wu Tsang, and conceived by artist, Creative and Art Director Solange Knowles for Saint Heron, the film also draws from the masterful styling of Ib Kamara, an original score by Standing on The Corner and features Dionne Warwick and Dominique Jackson. Passage contextualizes the interconnectedness of creative design, material, sustainability, and elements of space. What begins as a singular abstraction of introspective vision, is ultimately divine orchestration of an ecosystem for collective consciousness. In collaboration with The Woolmark Company, Saint Heron is proud to present, Passage.

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JUDGES

JUDGE

Carine Roitfeld

Carine Roitfeld

Celebrated as one of the most influential figures in fashion, Carine Roitfeld has transcended the boundaries of culture and style over the past three decades to build an ever-expanding global brand.

JUDGE

Ib Kamara

Ib Kamara

Editor-in-chief at Dazed, Ibrahim Kamara is known for his radically innovative work and has been described as one of the most exciting creative voices of a generation.

JUDGE

Shaway Yeh

Shaway Yeh

Shaway Yeh, Founder of yehyehyeh & Group Style Editorial Director at Modern Media group, is one of the most influential media and opinion leaders on fashion and culture in Greater China.

JUDGE

Sinéad Burke

Sinéad Burke

Sinéad Burke is an academic, teacher, writer and advocate, working towards accelerating systematic change within the domains of diversity, education, inclusion, design and disability.

JUDGE

Tasha Liu

Tasha Liu

Tasha Liu is the founder of Labelhood, the leading platform for emerging designers in China.

JUDGE

Thom Browne

Thom Browne

Thom Browne is widely recognised for challenging and modernising today’s uniform: the suit.

JUDGE

Tim Blanks

Tim Blanks

Since September 2015, Tim Blanks has been Editor-at-Large for Business of Fashion. Blanks also writes for a number of publications including Vogue, Interview and Another Man.

JUDGE

Julie Davies

Julie Davies

General Manager, Processing Innovation & Education Extension for The Woolmark Company, Julie Davies has 30 years' working experience within the textile industry.

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Showroom

AR EXPERIENCE

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The International Woolmark Prize celebrates outstanding fashion talents from around the global who showcase the beauty and versatility of Australian Merino wool. It is the world’s most prestigious award for rising fashion stars. The International Woolmark Prize connects an astonishing list of industry legends, both past and present.

discover the history of the prize.

Creative & Art Director

Solange Knowles for Saint Heron

Director

Wu Tsang

Production

Saint Heron Agency

Presented by

The Woolmark Company

Starring

Dionne Warwick

Starring

Dominique Jackson

Starring

Joi

Starring

Keiyaa

Starring

SahBabii

Supporting Cast

Duot Ajang

Supporting Cast

Aheem Sosa

Supporting Cast

Eden Abebe

Supporting Cast

Somalia Knight

Supporting Cast

Brandon (Buz) Donald

Supporting Cast

Angeer Amol

Supporting Cast

Samuel Atewogboye

Executive Producer

Brittney Escovedo for Saint Heron

Producer

Carolyn Concepcion for Saint Heron

Cinematographer

Ryan Marie Helfant

Movement Director

Tosh (Boychild) Basco

Music Composer & Score

Gio Escobar

Lighting Designer

John Torres

Scenic Director

Carlos Soto

Set Designer

Javier Irigoyen

Styling Director

Ib Kamara

Casting Director

Mischa Notcutt

Makeup Lead

Yuki Hayashi

Hair Lead

Evanie Frausto

Nails

Sunshine Outing

Photographer

Ibrahem Hasan

Behind The Scene Photographer

Cary Fagan

Editor

Anthony Valdez

Editor

Nicolas Sessler

Web Design

Sabla Stays for Saint Heron

Graphic Design

Preston Thompson

Web Development

Protein

Innovation Academy Partner

BYBORRE

Innovation Academy Partner

Blue Bite

Innovation Academy Partner

Close to Clothes

Innovation Academy Partner

Common Objective

Innovation Academy Partner

Hologarment

Innovation Academy Partner

Tipa

Innovation Academy Partner

Queen of Raw

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This look is made from hand woven wool and hand woven Merino book waste. Waste book covers were shredded with an electronic guillotine and woven with a mix of 100% wool. It is then coated with wax to make the material waterproof.

  • Made by artisans
  • Recycled materials

This suit is made from a 100% wool, medium weight waffle effect material. The fabric was hand embroidered with illustrations by Melissa Kitty Jarram. The shirt is made from production waste and deadstock material, screen printed with non-toxic inks.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade

This look is made from Sesia Bio wool that is 100% made in Italy. The design is inspired by Melissa Kitty Jarram’s illustrations from explorations with The Magpie Project ‘Story Exchange’ Workshops.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade

This 100% Merino wool look is digitally printed at the Global Centre of Excellence in Digital Textile Design and Print. The print is by Melissa Kitty Jarram, created from explorations with The Magpie Project ‘Story Exchange’ Workshops.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Made by artisans

This look is made from surplus swatch waste, integrated into the garments through patchwork and crotched together with 100% Bio Sesia wool yarn.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Recycled materials

This 100% Merino wool look was digitally printed at the Global Centre of Excellence in Digital Textile Design and Print. The fabric was then hand embroidered by Manusa with Melissa Kitty Jarram illustrations.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Handmade

This look is embedded with padded oil capsules in the fabric’s fibres, which release a citrus zest fragrance with friction and movement, thereby providing a refreshing ambience to boost energy and mental clarity.

Casablanca’s collection was inspired by the daytime aesthetic of Formula 1 sportwear combined with the late-night glamour of the casino. This look features a fluffy intarsia sweater with knitted polo neck and knitted padded biker trousers in fluffy yarn.

The embroidery on this knit was produced in partnership with fibre artist Mariana Baertl in Lima, Peru. Mariana hand knitted and embroidered onto the 3D knit panels. All yarns are organically dyed. Accompanying the knit are 100% Merino wool knitted padded biker trousers.

  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade

This coat is composed of worsted yarns, produced in Florence, Italy. The fibres are embedded with oil capsules, which add healing properties and increase user well-being when coming into contact with the fabric. The 100% Merino wool textured trousers are made using custom weaving of wool yarns in Biella, Italy.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable

Made with a bouclé textured yarn and knitted with a rib to help contour the shape to the body, this look was inspired by Jackie Onassis, an international fashion icon and considered one of the most admired women of the 20th century.

The embroidery on this printed knit was produced in partnership with Karen Nicol, an embroidery and mixed media textile artist in London, UK. The embroidery has been digitally printed in Hong Kong. The knit is accompanied by 100% Merino wool knitted biker trousers.

  • Made by artisans

Super fine, 15-micron Merino wool has been blended with Rayon yarns sourced in Lagos, Nigeria to create this look. The combination was woven into this coat locally in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

Kenneth Ize supports the craft of Aso oke weaving and growing the industry beyond the Nigerian borders, improving the lives of the local weaving community. This collection was the first time that the weavers worked with Merino wool.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

The pattern in this look is inspired by Mursi (of Ethiopian origin) body painting, appearing in the exact same colours as the body painting.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

Super fine, 15-micron Merino wool has been blended with Rayon yarns sourced in Lagos, Nigeria to create this look. The combination was woven locally in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

Super fine, 15-micron Merino wool has been blended with Rayon yarns sourced in Lagos, Nigeria to create this look. The combination was woven locally in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

Super fine, 15-micron Merino wool has been blended with Rayon yarns sourced in Lagos, Nigeria to create this look. The combination was woven locally in Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Made by artisans

LECAVALIER is well known for its unique weaving technique which the brand has evolved in wool for its IWP collection. This textile treatment has zero waste, the cutter is local, and the garment is hand woven and assembled in the LECAVALIER atelier in Montreal.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Zero waste
  • Small batch production

This midi rib knit sleeveless tunic and flare pants are made from 100% Merino wool.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Traceable yarns
  • Made to order

To combat the pollution caused by the denim industry, LECAVALIER has created a textile that imitates denim, using Merino wool yarns to recreate the colours and textures of denim.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Zero waste
  • Small batch production

This AOP (All Over Print) is inspired by the sci-fi movement from the 70s and the futuristic designs of the late 60s, which are printed on 100% Merino wool.

  • Traceable yarns
  • Small batch production and local manufacturing
  • Made to order

LECAVALIER wanted to push the boundaries of garment construction by creating Merino knits that are deformed with a glitch effect. This patchwork chunky knit and matching scarf with wool fringe are made from 100% Merino wool.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Traceable yarns
  • Made to order

Inspired by vintage ski accessories, this look includes a balaclava, fingerless long gloves, socks, a dickie and a long cami dress with a rounded leg cut-out all made from 100% Merino wool.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Traceable yarns
  • Made to order

This 100% Merino wool custom jacquard was developed in partnership with a mill local to the Matty Bovan Studio in Yorkshire, UK. The design was produced from an artwork created by Matty Bovan using a combination of original and archival imagery and text.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Locally manufactured

This coat has been created from 100% Merino fur fabric, a renewable alternative to traditional fur and faux fur made from synthetic materials. The panels were hand-dyed in small batches, ensuring minimal water use, and dyed using a combination of acid and natural dyes.

  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade
  • Small batch production

This fabric was knitted at the Matty Bovan Studio on a domestic knitting machine using the punchcard techniques. As such, no electricity was used to knit this fabric.

  • Hand dyed
  • Small batch production
  • Locally manufactured

These garments are made from 100% Merino wool that is hand dyed in small batches, to minimise water usage. The yarn is then taken to a local artisan who hand knits the panels. The panels are then hand painted in the Matty Bovan Studio before being sewn into garments.

  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade
  • Small batch production

This jacquard cardigan was developed in Leicester, UK. This apron is made from Woolmark-certified deadstock duffle that is 80% Merino, 20% Nylon. The screen printing was done in-house in the Matty Bovan Studio.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Locally manufactured

This 100% Merino custom jacquard was developed in partnership with a local mill in Yorkshire. The design was produced from an artwork created by Matty Bovan using a combination of original and archival imagery and text.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Locally manufactured

This 90% Merino wool fabric bears a print inspired by the work of Noentla Khumalo, a traditional healer based in Johannesburg. The visual showcasing of this ancient practice supports the brand's mission of sharing the true face of South African culture.

  • Made by artisans
  • Low water footprint (digital printing)

The 100% Merino wool knitted dress and wool, nylon and mohair tweed apron are 100% local - from the yarn, spinning and dyeing processes, through to knitting and finishing.

  • Locally manufactured
  • Low water footprint (fabric supplier)
  • Carbon offsetting initiatives (fabric supplier)

This fabric was made in collaboration with revered Japanese textile maker Mr Adachi San on an old shuttle loom. The textural pom poms are inspired by the traditional grass dresses and masks worn at Bobo funerals.

  • Made by artisans
  • Handmade

This dress is a combination of a panelled, strappy dress from the Yaruba Masquerade, and the finger painting on the skins of the Surma people from Ethiopia, who do this to imitate the animals they interact with.

  • 100% Merino wool: 100% natural and microplastic free
  • Biodegradable
  • Small batch production

Inspired by traditional healers, this 3D double jersey knit jacket has growths on its surface that mimic scarified skin. The raised surface doubles as braille for Magugu’s favourite African proverbs: "What you do to your ancestors, your children will do unto you".

  • Small batch production
  • Made by artisans
  • Locally manufactured

This look reflects Magugu’s Sotho culture, and the importance blankets play in it, featuring a thick wool 3D knit. The artwork is an abstract illustration by South African artist Phathu Nembwili featuring a Sotho woman smoking a traditional pipe with a head wrap.

  • Small batch production
  • Made by artisans
  • Renewable energy use (yarn supplier)